Ahead of the parliamentary elections that are due by May, Gandhi held an interactive session in Varanasi on the second day of his visit to Uttar Pradesh.

During the 90-minute interaction, Gandhi spoke to a number of rickshaw pullers and auto drivers gathered to voice their socio- economic problems, and also enquired about their health and insurance facilities.

Some of the rickshaw pullers broke down while speaking about their problems and atrocities that they go through.

“The biggest problem that rickshaw pullers face is that the rent that they have to pay for one month, which is Rs. 1500. It is too much. Our kids do not get good education, we don’t get enough food, and we don’t have any identity card or ration card. Thus, it makes our lives miserable. Please note that in Varanasi only the rich are happy. Poor people do not have anything,” said a rickshaw puller.

Some of them also put forth their demand for rickshaw stands.

Rahul Gandhi heard the grievances patiently and said that his party’s intention is to build a strong base to live for the poor people. (ANI)